Daily Reacharound: Accountability Vs. Anonymity Online

Blizzard’s decision to ditch a proposed plan to force message board users to use their real names has generated considerable debate, and while a large number of gamers saw their outrage directly influence Blizzard’s policy proposal, reader blindsideofthesun brought up what is arguably the best argument for requiring forum posters to use their actual names:

My only argument for their decision is that the use of real names would force people to think a bit more before posting some of the bullcrap that makes it onto message boards, and throw some form of accountability for ones actions into the ring. Imagine a place where you have to really come up with intelligent arguments, and wouldn't be able to simply change your forum name every time you get booted for inappropriate behavior/flaming.